Bedford Hills, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bronxville resident Thatcher Drew to its Board of Directors. Thatcher, who has served on WLT’s Advisory Board since 2024, was elected to the Board of Directors at the organization’s September meeting.

Thatcher’s path to WLT leadership began with workboots on the ground. Before joining the Advisory Board, he volunteered alongside WLT’s stewardship team, cutting invasive vines and assisting with forest health initiatives on protected land. Since then, his involvement has expanded to include research, technology improvements, and a deeper exploration of the long-term work required to protect land forever.

“Thatcher has embraced every aspect of what it means to be part of our Westchester Land Trust community, from tackling invasive vines on our preserves to helping us think strategically about the infrastructure and technology that ensures our continued growth,” said Kara H. Whelan, President of Westchester Land Trust. “Thatcher is quick to offer a friendly smile and always asks thoughtful questions, rolls up his sleeves, and brings a valuable long-term and visionary perspective to our work. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our Board of Directors.”

For Thatcher, serving on the Advisory Board offered an opportunity not simply to advise, but to contribute. Whether researching questions that could lead to actionable solutions and cost savings or heading into the field with WLT staff, he found an organization eager to put the skills and experience of its community to work.

That experience also deepened his understanding of conservation easements and the permanent responsibility WLT assumes when land is protected. Walking easement properties and learning about the commitment to monitor and uphold them in perpetuity reinforced for Thatcher the importance of building an organization capable of sustaining that work for generations.

“Westchester Land Trust is an organization that puts its people and resources to work in meaningful ways,” said Thatcher. “Our conservation commitments last forever, a perspective that demands long-term organizational strength. I look forward to helping WLT think about the systems, technology, and financial foundation we’ll need for the future.”

Thatcher brings a vibrantly varied professional background to the organization, with experience as a think tank leader, award-winning filmmaker, and digital communications innovator. He is particularly interested in how WLT can thoughtfully adopt technology to strengthen its work in the years ahead.

Thatcher is an avid hiker, long-distance kayaker, and sailor, and his adventures have taken him to remote landscapes around the world. Closer to home, he founded Vinecutters, a volunteer initiative focused on freeing trees from invasive vines, and received Westchester County Parks’ Best Volunteer Award for his efforts.

As a member of WLT’s Board of Directors, Thatcher hopes to pair that hands-on appreciation for the land with a focus on the organization’s future—including the technology, systems, and long-term financial foundation necessary to support a conservation mission designed to last forever. 

We acknowledge that our region is within the traditional territories of the Lenape people and that their culture and traditions live on today.